A Hard Knot

Paperback | February 8, 2012

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This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated.1885 Excerpt: ... CHAPTER XVII. Sarah's Evidence. The eyes of the Sheriff and the Fiscal were turned to Sarah, who now stood with head bowed meekly, and hands clasped tightly, as one waiting submissively to undergo an ordeal. She had not looked at the prisoner; the information she had just received from Kate seemed to have impressed her with the dread that what she would have to say might in some fatal manner influence the fate of her sister's husband. She was examined by the Fiscal. 'You knew the deceased, Jean Gorbal?' 'Yes, she was my nurse, but during the last two years I saw her very seldom.' 'Why was that?' 'She was addicted to drink, and every time she saw my mother she caused her agitation, and more than once made her very ill for several days after an interview.' 'What was the subject of these interviews?' Sarah was evidently agitated by the question, as if she felt that they were approaching the unhappy family secret. 'Go on, Miss Burnett,' said Sheriff Lyon encouragingly. 'I was not allowed to be present at their interviews, and all I heard was merely a portion of the conversation when I was leaving the room or returning to it,' she responded feelingly. 'Well, what did the conversation, so far as you heard, seem to concern?' queried the Fiscal. 'Money at times, and at other times it related to a family matter with which Jean Gorbal, as my nurse, was associated.' 'Speak a little louder, if you please; and now tell us, do you know what that family matter was? Do not hesitate to answer. We would not press this question were it not that we believe the answer will enable us to see what was the character of the deceased's private life, and who were her friends. Do you know what this matter was?' 'I do.' Her voice was not raised above a whisper, but the sound was distinc...